Liberty: an advantage of knowing.
Over a year ago I copied those
words in my journal. My time serving in a developing
nation proves their accuracy. I realize
the liberty that shaped my life experiences opened doors of opportunity, assets
and connections. I received advantage beyond those who can't eat so
generously of liberty’s fruit.
As
I interact with the widowed and single mamas from Kisumu’s slums and rural
villages, some older than myself, there is a marked difference in how I
understand problem solving. My education
and exposure to diversity within a well-structured, safe environment enables me
to make suggestions where they stare in disbelief and question, “Is that
possible?”
Yes,
it is possible.
But
only with their help, motivation and implementation; they are necessary to make
solutions become realities.
My large “advantage of knowing”
is very restricted without the mamas’ inputting their “limited liberty” of
cultural nuances, which escape my western perspective. Many of these women have
only had bits of formal education in run down schools. Inadequate access to information, nutrition
and health care built small spaces for their scope of life. Yet, what they do
know, I do not; and it’s their “missing piece” that creates complete answers to complex questions like…
- How do we maneuver projects to avoid corruption and benefit vulnerable children?
- How do we introduce resources so they are utilized to improve everyone’s situations and not just a select few?
- How do we work among the least and not be viewed as the leader?
My
liberty. My “advantage of knowing” only works well when it’s couple with
another’s, and together we make it available to more.
With
your prayers, support and encouragement, we have worked along side our
Kenyan friends to develop biblical development programs. This ministry is moving to a Resource Center
being built on property the local church has provided. This new location will enable more desperate
women to obtain Christian-based services.
If
you’d like to help complete this structure, please make a donation through
paypal on the sidebar of this blog or
send your gift to:
Among
the Least PO Box 3543 Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Please
include note: For Resource Center.
Let’s spread liberty!
"It is absolutely
clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you
don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and
destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in
love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word
is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself.
That’s an act of true freedom."
Galatians 5:13-15